Holiday Gift Guides For Hostesses, Kids, Friends, Geeks, and More

2011 Holiday Gift Guides: Kitchen Gadgets, Stocking Stuffers, and What to Get Guys!

Holiday season is here, which means it's time to get giving! We've got you covered with our 2011 gift guides, including awesome ideas on what to pick up for the eco-friendly cook, your beauty obsessed pal, and even your nanny. We'll help you cross off the names on your gift list from now through the end of the month, so make sure to check back for the best picks across the network. Also, check out all of our holiday planning, tips, tricks, and inspiration as we gear up for the most festive month of the year!

I give potted herbs as hostess gifts along with some great recipes for their use, and a history of the herb it's medicinal uses as well as it's savory uses. I also have been known to give out my recipe for my awesome vinagrette along with a basket that includes all the ingredients to whip it up and a lovely cruet bottle. I even give my specially jarred roasted garlic. I make it in large batches so we always have roasted garlic on hand. If you gve a hostess gift make it something memorable. Don't give something unhealthy or a bouquet of flowers that wither and die.

Last Christmas, I invited some friends for a holiday get-together and I was so happy to receive plants as gifts. A year after, I have these plants and just by passing the plant I remember my friends, which is great. These kinds of gifts last for many years and some for a lifetime like the books, or coasters, of wine racks...etc.

I love to give books as hostess gifts, of course tailored to the interests of the recipient! For instance, I got invited to a holiday party by my neighbor. He's a major history buff, and has recently gotten interested in Israel in particular. I bought him a copy of "Rebirth" by David Longueay (http://rebirthofisrael.com). I'm planning on giving him that and a bottle of wine.